Aparna Nancherla, a comedian, shares her experiences with impostor syndrome and how she copes with self-doubt. She discusses creating a resume listing failures, making up words to gauge reactions, and not putting too much value on success. The podcast explores societal perceptions of impostor syndrome and the importance of embracing failure for personal growth.
Embracing failures and reframing perspectives are essential in managing imposter syndrome.
Balancing emotions and challenging distorted thoughts is crucial for mental health.
Deep dives
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Aparna Nancherla discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome, highlighting its impact on mental health. She reflects on societal pressures and expectations regarding success and fitting in, emphasizing the need to address feelings of fraudulence and self-doubt.
Dealing with Mental Illness & Self-Evaluation
Nancherla delves into the complexities of identifying with mental health challenges and the internal conflicts associated with conditions like depression. She explores the balance between trusting one's emotions and challenging distorted thoughts, acknowledging the nuances of personal experiences.
Navigating Professional & Personal Challenges
She shares insights on navigating career paths outside traditional structures and embracing individuality. Nancherla discusses the importance of pursuing personal goals amidst societal expectations and the impact of impostor feelings.
Strategies for Coping & Building Resilience
Nancherla offers coping strategies for managing impostor syndrome, emphasizing open communication and seeking support. She highlights the importance of reframing perspectives, embracing failures, and focusing on controllable actions to foster personal growth.
Impostor syndrome is one of many therapy-speak words that have gone mainstream in the past few years — but what is it, really? Aparna Nancherla knows all about it. Aparna is a comedian and the author of "Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself, and Impostor Syndrome.” Despite her success as a performer, she isn’t immune to self-doubt. In this episode from another TED Audio Collective podcast, How to Be a Better Human, Aparna talks about the ways she’s learned to deal with impostor syndrome: like creating a resume listing all her failures, or making up words at parties to gauge other people’s reactions. She also shares how she learned to put less stock in success and what to do when your mind isn’t telling you the truth. Find more How to Be a Better Human wherever you get your podcasts.